Older Workers Have a Big Secret: Their Age

Workers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, although outnumbered in the workforce by millennials, are the only group whose labor-force participation rates are growing, reports the Wall Street Journal . However, they are the least visible employees in offices, retail outlets, and other workplaces, because many conceal their ages. Concerned about being avoided or rejected by younger managers and co-workers, older employees often go to drastic lengths to try to appear younger. This internalized ageism is rampant, with many baby boomers fearing being called "old" and worrying it will undermine their ability to be accepted and compete in professions where youth is prized. Older people worry of being stereotyped as unable to learn new things or understand technology, or to be considered slow, old-fashioned, too costly, and likely to become ill — and subsequently denied promotions and raises, or laid off. This is likely to change as the labor pool gets older and employers increasingly need to use older employees. About 27 percent of 65- to 74-year-olds had full- or part-time jobs in 2016, and by 2026 30 percent are expected to be working, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2030, Americans who are 65 and older will outnumber those 18 and younger.